Countdown to 2020! The last 6.5 years have been a dream come true. As an artist and an arts administrator, I saw the communities built, positive changes made, and art come out of people working together at YAX. We are continually discovering a new, creative world together. 

 

I am incredible honored to have worked closely with Raffaella Falchi Macias since 2013 - and lucky to have learned about YAX through her vision. From taking the reins from our founding executive director, Beth Rubenstein, then to passing them on to Raffaella in 2020, I couldn't be more excited about the future of YAX.

Please show your support of our youth and donate to YAX mark the first steps in celebrating our 20th year in 2020!

We do our work because we believe in the power of it.
<3 Reed

Youth need art.

They need safe and creative spaces to explore who they are and who they are becoming- which we believe will change the world.

We open access to these creative spaces through free multidisciplinary arts programming for San Francisco public high school students.

And we need your help to make this happen. 

Donate online at youthartexchange.org




(We're not sure who took this selfie, but picture of Reed, Raffaella, and Beth above. Half-tone print portrait by Melvin, a participant in YAX's Leadership High School Residency) 

Francesca Mateo joined YAX as the Program Associate in 2018 and quickly became an incredible part of our youth programs. We are sad to see her leave her faculty position this month. After working in programs as an administrator, we had the opportunity to see her teach - and how she really shines when working with students as she teaches fashion design. From her work all over the Bay Area in her street wear company, Empire in the Air, to her Filipinx artist residency at Root Division, we look forward to seeing what comes next for Francesca. A huge shout out to Francesca and all she has done for YAX! 

Francesca is wearing one of our favorite youth pieces - a shirt by Valentin N. 

 YAX is hiring a Fashion Design Faculty Artist  to teach after school in the spring! Apply by January 15th!